The SEC Form F-4 is a type of registration statement that foreign companies or foreign private issuers must file in order to register certain types of securities for trading on US exchanges. This registration statement is also used for disclosures around mergers and acquisitions when a company is located outside the US.

Before companies can complete a successful merger or acquisition, they need to know what they can expect from the other party. This involves a detailed process of due diligence, or an examination of an organization’s operations, financial information and technology. For technology-driven targets, technical due diligence is one of the key steps in determining the value of the deal, as well as potential pitfalls or liabilities involved in the integration.

M&A activity is set to rise in 2025 as finance leaders leverage tech-driven strategies to navigate economic uncertainty and enhance transactions. DFIN's latest Mergers and Acquisitions 2025 Trends Survey reveals that 60% of finance decision-makers aim to boost deal activity, focusing on growth, tech acquisition, and market expansion.

Fairness opinions play a critical role in mergers and acquisitions by providing boards and stakeholders with an independent assessment of a transaction’s financial fairness. These opinions support informed, defensible decision-making, especially in high-value or high-scrutiny deals. Unlike standard valuation analyses, a comprehensive fairness opinion considers not just valuation metrics but also deal structure, market conditions and potential alternatives.

The process for managing the shares owned by a company or fund is complicated, calling for a trained and registered professional to handle the work. The financial experts who handle these issues are known as transfer agents. In order to become a transfer agent, organizations must apply to the SEC (or their primary banking regulator) using Form TA-1. This form provides the necessary information for the regulator to process the registration and place the organization on record as a transfer agent. 

Dealmakers entered 2025 with cautious optimism, hoping that the tailwinds from late 2024 would carry through. The economic climate shifted toward volatility, with tariffs, policy shakeups, and global market swings dominating the headlines of the new year. However, as market conditions stabilized across May and June, we’ve seen encouraging trends in market activity kicking off the beginning of Q3.

IPOs are a crucial element in the tech ecosystem. They provide access to capital, liquidity for investors, and an avenue for increasing brand value. A successful public offering is an important milestone for every tech entrepreneur.

So, it’s no surprise that this week’s panel at NYC Tech Week, IPO journey in the era of AI, attracted a lively and engaged audience, eager for insights. I had the pleasure of participating in the discussion, which was sponsored by PwC and moderated by PwC partner Christina White.

Reverse mergers offer a range of advantages — both for shell companies seeking a private acquisition and for private companies looking to enter public markets without undergoing a traditional IPO. Because reverse mergers frequently involve shell companies, they trigger specific SEC disclosure requirements and often attract heightened regulatory scrutiny. This guide will help you understand what a reverse merger entails and what to expect from the process.

While public companies and their shareholders often strive for aligned interests and collaborative engagement, differing priorities can surface — particularly when strategic direction or governance decisions challenge investor expectations. Investors may seek near-term returns or specific ESG and sustainability commitments, while corporate boards prioritize long-term resilience and growth. When objectives don’t match, navigating this complex dynamic requires clarity, structure, and strategic communication.